Paramount Pictures has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming movie "Silence." The film is another of Martin Scorsese's masterpieces and stars Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver and Liam Neeson. It is based on a novel by Shusaku Endo, which was originally published in Japan.
The latest preview gives moviegoers a hint on what the "Silence" is about. The atmosphere is menacing and loaded with short shots of violence and killing. Striking images are scattered, including a gaunt Neeson on a very desolate situation kneeling while looking up. There is also an overhead shot of three Jesuit priests walking across a plaza. We also see a gloomy scene of a village in Japan with villagers crucified while being washed over by ocean waves.
"Silence" is a story of 17th century Portuguese Jesuit missionaries portrayed by Garfield and Driver, who go to Japan to seek answers about a missionary mentor who went missing. Father Cristavo Ferreira, played by Neeson, disappeared and was reportedly tortured by a government persecuting Christians. In the trailer, a voice can be heard saying that the moment the missionaries set foot into that place, they step into high danger.
New York Times reported that the movie's cast went through an extreme preparation. Driver has lost around 50 pounds for his role. The "Silence" actors also went on silent retreats at St. Bueno. The film shoot took over eight months in Taiwan. Garfield was quoted saying that even a 10-year period will not be sufficient time for him to be prepared for the movie. Other actors include Yosuke Kubozuka, Tadanobu Asano, Shinya Tsukamoto, Issey Ogata and Ciarán Hinds.
"Silence" will screen in Rome by the end of November and will be attended in an estimated 400 Jesuit priests. The screening was arranged by Rev. James Martin, S.J. who is the film's US-based adviser. The movie opens on December 23.